Côn Đảo Island

What to know about Côn Đảo Island?

Côn Đảo Island is the most common term referred to a group of natural islands that are sometimes known as Côn Sơn, Côn Lôn or Côn Nôn. The name derived from a native Khmer colloquial phrase “Koh Tralach”, an island complex sitting right off the shore of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province.

In various ancient English and French travel documents, Côn Đảo is noted under the name Poulo Condor. Until 1977, the Vietnamese government released an official document announcing the official name of the island as Côn Đảo, an administrative unit of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province. Côn Đảo covers a large area of 76 square kilometers and contains 16 different islands of all sizes.

Côn Đảo is listed as one of 21 national targeted tourism sites of the country. The site is proudly complimented as a resort and nature discovery paradise with pristine lengthy beaches and infinite white sand dunes. The islands are granted with utmost fresh air, vast primitive rainforests, and eco-tourism sites. Because of such, Côn Đảo not only directs travelers’ attention but an aspiration to explore of scientists.

Back in May 2011, the phenomenal travel magazine Travel + Leisure praises Côn Đảo as “A place with vertical cliffs against wild seaside and the deep blue water” and one of 20 most mysterious islands in the World. Visiting Côn Đảo, what leaves you amazed are the infinite greenery, jade-like ocean, pearl-like sand dunes and home to sea cows, dolphins, and spectacular coral reefs.

Top places to visit on Côn Đảo Island

Amongst a wide range of tourist landmarks left on Côn ảo, here are top attractions you should visit at least once when on the islands:

Đầm Trầu Beach

Suối Nóng Beach

Côn Đảo National Park

Hàng Dương Graveyard

Côn Đảo Prison

Best native Côn Đảo delicacies

Apart from seafood, the list reveals six Côn Đảo authentic cuisine that can hardly be found elsewhere:

Half-dried Mackerel

Country-almond seed jam

Cellana

Sotted reef crab

Big red lobster

Peanut worm

Bear these in mind before entering Côn Đảo Island

As a primitive island itself, before paying a trip to Côn Đảo, you are advised to pack a pair of boots, anti-insect spray as well as personal medicine needed.

As an isolated group of island, most of the services are still dependent on the transportation from shore. Hence, if you are on a budget, do not forget to purchase seafood on your own from the fishing port at around 6:00 or 14:00 set at a very reasonable price, grab them back to your accommodation and ask for an on-site gastronomy.

In case you are looking for a local meal, you can give it a try at Côn Đảo Market to have a feeling of living like a local.

How to travel to Côn Đảo from the Vietnam mainland?

As a part of Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu Province, Côn Đảo can be reached by both waterway and airway. Feel free to ask for a favor from your local hosts to book the tickets online for a slot to Côn Đảo by boat. In case you are about to go by plane, remember to depart from Tân Sơn Nhất Airport (Hồ Chí Minh City) or Cần Thơ Airport.